Monday, August 27, 2012

A Week of Coffee Cocktails Because I Heart Starbucks

Every morning after my bar shifts I'd wake up early and walk to Starbucks for a coffee and a pastry. I was one of those lucky customers who witnessed my drink go into production as soon as I got in line, and proudly knew all the Starbucks employee names (some still work at that particular location after over ten years).

With cash lining my pockets from the night before, I'd always add to the tip jar, and took pride in leaving an extra special "thank you" after my biggest nights at the bar. What goes around, comes around, right? The friendly, personable Starbucks staff helped me wake up and get back home to a day writing at the computer before another bar shift began.

My first job out of college was working as a barista and I still credit that position for preparing me for what bartendering would be like. You've got to move fast, remember dozens of drink recipes, and remain calm, collected, and social, all while completing an order to perfection.

My home is now too far to walk to a Starbucks, but I do tear open a packet of VIA every single morning before cracking open the lap top. This week is dedicated to coffee cocktail recipes because I owe them a little "thank you" for helping me get up early to finish writing my first bartending book, and now, a second.

Leave a comment for your favorite cocktail this week either here or on our Facebook page, and win a 28-day supply of Starbucks VIA. Your coffee will be so easy to make that you may even find yourself with the extra time to write that book you've been thinking about.

This Week This Girl Prefers...

Our Fabulous Book!

Best Cocktail Blog

Fabulous Gifts!

About This Girl

Jordan and Jocelyn are sisters who collaborated on their book, "This Girl Walks Into a Bar". Since its launch, the two have been busy developing other product offerings, including another book, apparel, paper goods, and barware. With Jordan's writing and bartending chops, and Jocelyn's graphic design expertise, the two make one fabulous team.

About the Big Sis

Jordan CatapanoMy bartending career started in a chain restaurant and took me to dive bars, 5 stars, and private parties in some of LA's most beautiful residences. I've served Puff Daddy champagne, poured Keifer Sutherland an ungodly amount of Jack Daniels, and mixed cocktails for Pamela Anderson and Kidd Rock post-divorce, pre 2nd marriage (just to name-drop a few).

Our book, "This Girl Walks Into a Bar," (written by me and designed by my sister, Jocelyn) is an all-in-one bartending guide designed for any woman who wants the lucrative career of tending bar, or simply aspires to mix cocktails like a master at home!

About the Li'l Sis

Jocelyn Dunn MuhlbachJocelyn Dunn Muhlbach is a professional graphic designer with more than a decade of experience under her belt. Working independently and for various graphic design firms, she has produced work for a wide array of clientele, some of which include Disney, UCLA, Westfield, Princess Cruises, Anne Taintor, E!, Knock Knock, Sony Pictures, Pottery Barn, Paramount Pictures, and Mattel. She also creates wedding and event invitations and is now expanding the This Girl brand with apparel and paper goods.